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Catching a ride in Raleigh is as easy as installing an app on your phone for Lyft or Uber. While one-person taxi services and companies such as Taxi Taxi are available, the popularity of Lyft and Uber cannot be argued. Today, co-host James discusses his experience as a driver for these services, and we talk about their effect on transit.
Why don’t more Lyft drivers sport the pink mustaches?
Also, terminology: ridesharing vs. ridehailing. Thank you to listener Tom for pointing this out!
Related Links:Â
Why Uber and Lyft Might Be Hurting Stressed Public Transit Systems – Fortune, October 13, 2017
Uber can actually help prevent drunk driving accidents—in some cities – Popular Science – October 5, 2017
The Science Behind Uberification: How Uber Changed the World – Huffpost – December 6, 2017
Study: Ride-Sharing Decreases Public Transit Use – Future Structure – October 19, 2017
When Should Commuters Ditch Transit for Uber? – CityLab – October 13, 2017
Is Uber Helping or Hurting Mass Transit? – New York Times – October 16, 2017
Uber, Lyft pledge to co-exist with public transit, but they’re still a big traffic problem – Mashable – February 2, 2018
GoTriangle, Uber partnership could connect new markets to transit – News & Observer – March 31, 2017
Uber Has Revolutionized Transit More In 7 Years Than The Government Has In 7 Decades – Forbes – October 28, 2016
Jennifer and James, I’d like to address your question about ridehailing services creating more demand for trips, particularly individuals choosing between taking a trip or not at all. Who would choose not to take a trip?
– Ridehailing provides access to many more destinations to those who rely on transit, reducing costs in both time and money. Without a car, traveling even a short distance can take a lot of effort and might outweigh the benefit of taking such a trip.
– I’ve also noticed more solo drivers/riders after a night a club or bar. Instead of carpooling, I’ve noticed friends and others going in generally the same direction get in separate Ubers/Lyfts, creating more vehicle miles.